One restaurant, 15 names: the ghost kitchens confusing Aussie diners
The restaurant Burgur, based in Melbourne's Berwick, appears to be one of the more extreme cases of the 'ghost kitchen' phenomenon, where businesses operate primarily through delivery apps rather than public shopfronts.
Listings on Uber Eats show the address — 44 High St — is linked to at least 15 restaurants, offering everything from Mexican and burgers to chicken and ice cream.
On Google Maps, the location appears to be home to a single restaurant called Burgur.
But on delivery apps, it hosts a long list of names: Mad Mexican, MAD TACO, BurgerFI, IN OUT BUNS, GOLD BUNS, Milky Bun, CHICKEN, WING WING, MELT SHOP, Milky Scoop, Ronys, Wrap'd, Mr. Chips Man and American Fri.
Many of the menus are nearly identical, often using the same photos but with different prices for the same items. At least 15 food brands share the same address on Uber Eats in Berwick, Victoria. Credit: Uber Eats The food items are similar, but prices and delivery fees vary. Credit: Uber Eats
Some locals hoping to try something new have been frustrated, and the phenomenon has sparked heated discussion online more generally about ghost kitchens.
'Ghost kitchens have gone too far,' one Reddit user posted.
'Ghost kitchens have existed for a long time on all food delivery platforms,' a comment replied.
Ghost kitchens have grown in number over the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
One person shared that they were caught out three times at another restaurant, before realising they'd been ordering from the same place each time.
'Ordered one of the worst burgers of my life. 'Won't buy from them again' I thought. Ordered from what I thought was a different burger joint a week or so later. Then watched as the driver collects from the same damn place (fool me once),' they said.
'Later had some terrible, tasteless, watery Indian food. Next time I ordered from what I thought was a different joint. Watched in dismay as the driver picks up at the same place, which was as terrible as the first (fool me twice).
'Once again ordered from what I thought was yet a different Indian place. The cry of pain when I see the driver stopping out the front of the first one (fool me thrice).'
They said they've since stopped using Uber Eats altogether.
Another person joked: 'We should all buy frozen meals from ALDI and open ghost kitchens.'
Some Reddit users reported submitting complaints about the practice, but said they saw no changes. Uber Eats said the 14 virtual brands are legitimate and compliant businesses. Credit: Getty Images
Uber Eats told 7NEWS.com.au the 14 virtual brands operating from 44 High St are legitimate and compliant businesses.
'A virtual restaurant allows chefs and business owners to utilise the space they already have in their kitchens, to try cooking new cuisines and reach new customers with online-only brands,' a spokesperson said.
'Uber Eats gives restaurants across Australia the flexibility to choose how they partner with us, while continuing to meet our standard requirements and community guidelines.'
University of Sydney corporate law and insolvency professor Jason Harris said the practice does not breach Australian Consumer Law.
'A company can operate multiple businesses with multiple brands,' he told 7NEWS.com.au.
'All the different toothpaste brands are owned by the same company.'
7NEWS.com.au has reached out to Burgur for comment.
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